Related Experiment Videos

Cardiac manifestations in the antiphospholipid syndrome

Felicia Tenedios1, Doruk Erkan, Michael D Lockshin

  • 1Hospital for Special Surgery, Department of Rheumatology, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 535 East 70(th) Street, New York, NY 10021, USA. tenediosf@hss.edu

Rheumatic Diseases Clinics of North America
|August 2, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are not just markers but may cause thrombosis and pregnancy issues in antiphospholipid syndrome (APS). Research explores aPL

Area of Science:

  • Rheumatology and Immunology
  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology

Background:

  • Antiphospholipid antibodies (aPL) are recognized markers for antiphospholipid syndrome (APS).
  • Emerging evidence suggests aPL may actively contribute to the pathogenesis of APS complications.
  • The mechanisms underlying aPL pathogenicity are complex and multifaceted.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms of aPL in APS.
  • To detail the cardiac manifestations associated with APS.
  • To investigate the role of aPL in vascular thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity.

Main Methods:

  • Review of experimental evidence on aPL function.
  • Analysis of molecular pathways involved in aPL pathogenicity.
  • Correlation of aPL presence with clinical manifestations in APS.

Main Results:

  • aPL contribute to thrombosis via endothelial activation, protein C pathway inhibition, platelet dysfunction, and complement activation.
  • Cardiac manifestations in APS include valve abnormalities, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and pulmonary hypertension.
  • Valve disease is the most frequent cardiac complication, though its precise mechanism remains unclear.

Conclusions:

  • aPL play a causative role in APS, driving thrombosis and pregnancy morbidity.
  • aPL induce prothrombotic changes in the vasculature.
  • Cardiac involvement, particularly valve disease, is a significant feature of APS, warranting further investigation into its pathogenesis.

Related Concept Videos

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis01:25

Endocarditis II: Clinical Features of Infective Endocarditis

Endocarditis can present various clinical features depending on the causative organism and the patient's underlying health conditions. Initially, the clinical features of infective endocarditis develop gradually, presenting with nonspecific symptoms that can be easily mistaken for other illnesses.General SymptomsEarly symptoms of infective endocarditis are fever, chills, weakness, malaise, fatigue, and weight loss. These symptoms reflect the systemic nature of the infection and the body's...
Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations01:19

Acute Coronary Syndrome II: Pathophysiology and Clinical Manifestations

The pathophysiology of Acute Coronary Syndrome [ACD] involves several key processes:The main underlying cause of ACD is atherosclerosis, a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the buildup of lipid-laden plaques within the coronary arteries.As the atherosclerotic plaque grows in the coronary artery, it may become unstable due to the formation of a lipid-rich core and a thin fibrous cap. Inflammatory cells within the plaque, such as macrophages, secrete enzymes that degrade the...
Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:22

Rheumatic Heart Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

The key clinical manifestations of Rheumatic heart disease (RHD) include several distinct cardiac symptoms.Carditis, a hallmark of acute rheumatic fever, involves inflammation of the heart's endocardium, myocardium, and pericardium. Chronic RHD often results from recurrent episodes of carditis. Its symptoms include the following:Murmurs are caused by valvular damage, especially to the mitral and aortic valves. Mitral stenosis or regurgitation is common, with characteristic heart murmurs...
Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations01:30

Coronary Artery Disease III: Clinical Manifestations

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a primary health risk worldwide, leading to significant morbidity and mortality. The condition arises from the buildup of atherosclerotic plaques within the coronary arteries, resulting in diminished blood supply to the heart muscle.The clinical manifestations of CAD vary widely, from asymptomatic stages to severe, life-threatening conditions. Understanding these manifestations is crucial for early diagnosis and effective management.Angina Pectoris: The Warning...
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation01:21

Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation

Clinical manifestationsPeripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) manifests through a range of symptoms, from the characteristic intermittent claudication to atypical presentations and severe complications in advanced stages. Intermittent claudication, a hallmark symptom of PAD, presents as exercise-induced muscle pain that typically resolves within minutes of rest. This pain is reproducible and stems from inadequate blood flow, leading to the accumulation of lactic acid produced during anaerobic...
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction01:23

Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction

Rheumatic heart disease or RHD is a chronic condition that results from rheumatic fever, causing permanent damage to the heart valves.Etiology and Risk FactorsIt primarily arises from rheumatic fever, an inflammatory disease that can develop after untreated or inadequately treated group A streptococcal (GAS) pharyngitis. Streptococcus spreads through direct contact with oral or respiratory secretions. While the bacteria are the causative agents, factors like malnutrition, overcrowding, poor...